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'Shangri La', 'the Rooftop of the World' - locked away in its Himalayan fortress, Tibet has long exercised a siren's hold on the imagination of the West. Tibetans are used to hardship and, despite the disastrous Chinese occupation, they have managed to keep their culture and humour alive.
Travel Warning: Tourist Ban Lifted
Travel restrictions in Tibet have been lifted by the Chinese government and tourists are once again allowed to enter. Public gatherings and pro-Tibet demonstrations descended into violence in March, leading to the three-month closure. Fatalities were reported, although the exact number was never verified. There is an increased military presence in Lhasa and travellers should take care to avoid large demonstrations. For information from travellers in the region, check out the Thorn Tree forum.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
Tibet (Xizang)
Population
2,700,000
Currency
Name: Yuan Renminbi
Code: CNY
Symbol: Y
Electrical Plugs
220V 50Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Mandarin
Time Zones
GMT/UTC +8
Country Dialing Code
+86
Weights & Measures
Metric
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
